Carla O'Connor's painting process promotes unique, personal expression and rapid, artistic growth. In this watercolor DVD workshop, she uses the human form as a springboard for powerful, expressive design. Each logical step in her process addresses a specific design issue.

DVD PREVIEW

O'Connor's initial quick drawing, or set up, relates the figure to the background and divides space into intriguing shapes. Working on gesso-coated paper, she modifies visual paths in her composition to keep the viewer inside the painting.

O'Connor uses interlocking shapes to create direction and movement and establishes a strong value pattern. Using gouache, she layers darks and lights, creates textures and patterns, and paints juicy transitions. She discusses the importance of each step and its impact on the overall painting. Some of the many issues O'Connor addresses include: creative division of space, unity, balance, transitions, visual path, texture vs. pattern, rhythm, push-pull, contrasting colors, multiple points of interest, interlocking shapes, sequence of painting, and the development of a personal creative process.

Join Carla O'Connor in Figure Design in Goauche: The Process.

INTERVIEW WITH CARLA O'CONNOR

Comments/Reviews:

"I simply have to tell you/ask you to pass on to Carla O'Connor how fabulous her teaching dvd is. It is the most inspiring and thorough experience in creating a painting.I am primarily a drawing teacher to adults, but also teach colored pencil and gouache. This DVD I will use in ALL my classes.Thank you all for creating it, and Carla for being such an excellent and fun and funny teacher."

- Kathie B.-

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Gallery: Carla O'Connor

BONUS CLIP: The Setup

Carla O'Connor's DVD workshop stresses the importance of the steps you take to create a painting, not the final product. To Carla, the process is the most important aspect of her art. Her approach is one of incredible discipline and expressive free thought. She follows the "what ifs" and then focuses on a different design principle at every stage of her work.

In the tradition of the old masters, she brings up the entire painting at every stage. She starts big and broad then slowly adds detail.

Each stage of her thinking focuses on a different design principle. She starts with a quick gesture drawing of her model. This loose, abstracted sketch, which Carla calls the "set up," serves as the framework for her painting. Carla works flat, integrating her main shapes into the background before transferring her image to watercolor paper. As she works with gouache, Carla shows you how to break down the steps of your painting process and concentrate on one aspect of design at a time. She demonstrates building rich color and texture through many layers of paint.

Carla delves into more than just the technical aspects of laying paint onto paper. She discusses the importance of emotion in your work and when to tackle difficult subject matter. She offers ideas on making your paintings more personal and encourages you to take risks as an artist.